"Greetings to the Former Duke and Duchess," Celestira said with an elegant bow.
"No need to be so formal," the former Duchess said, smiling stiffly. "After all, you'll soon awaken and make all of us proud. Just call us grandfather and grandmother."
Pathetic. Asking me to call you that after what you did to my mother? Truly pathetic.
Celestira's expression softened into a picture-perfect smile.
"How could I dare? Your Graces, the former Duke and Duchess, stand far above me. It would be an honor for anyone to simply speak to you, let alone call you by such familiar names."
The Duchess chuckled, clearly pleased with the flattery.
Then the trumpets blared:
"The Grand Duke of Aurellion, Lord Darius Valebourne, followed by the Former Duke, Lord Kaelith Valebourne, and the Former Duchess, Lady Estelle Valebourne—and finally, the star of the evening, Lady Celestira Valebourne are entering!"
The bright glimmer of chandeliers in the grand hall made her flinch slightly.
It's been a while since I've attended such a lavish occasion.
Walking down the grand staircase, Celestira radiated confidence with every step. She stopped beside the Duke, poised and regal.
The Duke raised his glass and announced, "Today, we celebrate my daughter Celestira's fifteenth birthday. May this night mark the beginning of her bright future. Let the banquet begin!"
The crowd erupted in polite applause as he drained his wine glass, marking the official start of the celebration.
Celestira descended gracefully onto the banquet floor, scanning the crowd—until her gaze landed on her.
Everin Rosenbelle.
The girl sat among a group of noble ladies, chatting and laughing as if she owned the room.
Celestira's lips curved into a calm smile as she approached.
"May I join you, ladies?" she asked sweetly.
Lady Rosenbelle's head snapped up. Her friends immediately stood, bowing nervously.
"Greetings to the Ladyship of the Empire!" they chorused.
---
In the Empire of Aurellion, Ladyship was a title reserved only for daughters of Dukes.
There were three in total—Celestira Valebourne, Alicia Valebourne, and Marianne Valtoria, daughter of the Second Duke.
---
Celestira waved her hand gracefully. "It's fine—there's no need for such formalities—"
But her words were cut short as the trumpets sounded once more.
"His—"
Celestira's heart skipped a beat.
What are they doing here?
To be continued...